Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes 35-40 minutes to cook and may require an extra 1/2 cup of broth. Monitor the liquid levels as it cooks and add more if needed.

How can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?

Use mild salsa and reduce the amount of taco seasoning by half. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat. The cheese also helps temper spiciness.

Can I prepare this in advance for a busy weeknight?

Absolutely! You can cook the beef mixture with vegetables and seasonings ahead of time, then refrigerate. When ready to cook, reheat the mixture, add the liquid ingredients and rice, and proceed with the recipe as written.

What if my rice isn't cooking evenly or is still crunchy?

If your rice isn't fully cooked after the recommended time, add an additional 1/4 cup of broth or water, cover, and continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes. Make sure your heat is low enough for a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.

Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe

Name: Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 green bell pepper, small diced; 1 medium onion, small diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can corn, drained; 2 cups beef broth; 16 ounces salsa; 8 ounces tomato sauce; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided; Fresh chopped cilantro (for serving); Your favorite taco toppings

This hearty and flavor-packed Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights! Combining seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese in one skillet, this dish delivers all the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with minimal cleanup. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect solution when you need a satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal with family.
Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like rice, beans, and ground beef makes this an economical option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Customizable: The basic recipe is delicious on its own, but you can easily adjust the heat level and toppings to please everyone at your table.
Family-Approved: This casserole has that comforting quality that appeals to both kids and adults – no separate meals needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor. Using lean beef (85/15) gives you meaty taste without excessive grease.
Bell pepper and onion: These aromatics create a flavorful base and add nutrition and texture to the dish.
Garlic: Adds that unmistakable savory depth that makes everything taste better.
Taco seasoning: The secret weapon for instant Mexican flavor without measuring multiple spices.
Black beans: Brings protein, fiber, and that classic Mexican food element. Make sure to rinse them to remove excess sodium.
Corn: Adds sweet pops of flavor and bright color throughout the casserole.
Beef broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice while adding richness to the dish.
Salsa: Brings instant flavor, acidity, and spice level you can control based on which variety you choose.
Tomato sauce: Helps create a saucy texture and adds bright tomato flavor that ties everything together.
Long-grain white rice: The foundation of the casserole that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Long-grain specifically prevents the dish from becoming mushy.
Colby Jack cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, cheesy top that makes this casserole so comforting.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finishing note that balances the rich flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your Mexican rice casserole:

Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat entirely and double the beans or add plant-based crumbles.
Heat Level: Use mild, medium, or hot salsa to control spiciness, or add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
Rice Options: While long-grain white rice works best, you can experiment with brown rice (with adjusted cooking time) or even try cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Bean Variety: Switch black beans for pinto or kidney beans based on preference.

How to Make Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Aromatics

In a large, deep-sided skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, bell pepper, and onion until the beef is no longer pink and broken into crumbles. Drain any excess grease. Add the garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. This step blooms the spices and helps them permeate the meat.

Step 3: Add Liquid and Vegetables

Add the black beans, corn, beef broth, salsa, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Add Rice and Simmer

Stir in the long-grain white rice, making sure it’s distributed evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally (about every 10 minutes) to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the skillet to allow the top layer of cheese to melt completely.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, or extra salsa.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Check Rice Doneness: Different brands of rice may cook at slightly different rates. The casserole is ready when the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Keep it Covered: A tight-fitting lid during simmering is crucial for properly cooking the rice and creating the right consistency.
Strategic Stirring: While you want to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, don’t overdo it – too much stirring can make the rice gummy.
Skillet Size Matters: Use a large skillet with high sides or a Dutch oven – this recipe needs room to expand as the rice cooks.
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes serving easier.

How to Serve

This casserole is a meal in itself, but there are many ways to serve it:

Toppings Bar

Create a DIY topping station with diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, lime wedges, extra cheese, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their plate.

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette, Mexican street corn, or a side of tortilla chips for scooping.

Tortilla Options

Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas on the side for making impromptu burritos or for scooping up the delicious mixture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as the ingredients have time to meld.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without additional toppings like sour cream or avocado.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat from frozen at a lower power, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes 35-40 minutes to cook and may require an extra 1/2 cup of broth. Monitor the liquid levels as it cooks and add more if needed.
How can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?

Use mild salsa and reduce the amount of taco seasoning by half. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat. The cheese also helps temper spiciness.
Can I prepare this in advance for a busy weeknight?

Absolutely! You can cook the beef mixture with vegetables and seasonings ahead of time, then refrigerate. When ready to cook, reheat the mixture, add the liquid ingredients and rice, and proceed with the recipe as written.
What if my rice isn’t cooking evenly or is still crunchy?

If your rice isn’t fully cooked after the recommended time, add an additional 1/4 cup of broth or water, cover, and continue cooking for 5-10 more minutes. Make sure your heat is low enough for a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.

Final Thoughts

This Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole brings together convenience and flavor in a truly satisfying way. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your meal rotation – simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough that you’ll never get bored. The combination of savory beef, fluffy rice, and melty cheese creates comfort food with a Mexican twist that’s sure to be requested again and again. Give it a try tonight and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!